8 Must-Know Tips from Celebrity Chefs: Ina Garten to Jacques Pépin—Readers’ Favorites of 2025!

Any chef will tell you: the kitchen is a place of endless learning. Whether you’re just starting out or already a pro, there’s always something new to discover about food. We turn to all sorts of resources—cookbooks, home cooks’ experiences, and yes, celebrity chefs—for fresh ideas and techniques.

This past year, Food & Wine shared a treasure trove of stories highlighting insights from famous chefs. They revealed tips that could elevate your cooking, from simple cocktails to marinades. Here are eight gems our readers loved.

1. Anthony Bourdain’s Simple Sandwich
Bourdain’s favorite sandwich, first shared in 2016, is still a hit. Inspired by Bar do Mané in São Paulo, it features griddled mortadella and cheese in a roll. This dish is quick to make and bursting with flavor, perfect for any cook looking for something easy yet satisfying.

2. Jacques Pépin’s Effortless Cocktail
Chef Jacques Pépin keeps it simple with a two-ingredient cocktail: a Reverse Manhattan. He mixes chilled sweet vermouth with a splash of your preferred spirit, like gin or Scotch, and adds a lemon twist. It’s a straightforward way to feel fancy at home.

3. Ina Garten’s Dinner Party Tips
As we gather for dinner parties, Ina Garten reminds us what not to bring. Avoid flowers without a vase or any food that adds to the host’s workload. A simple bottle of wine is always appreciated.

4. Top Chef Winner’s Secret Seasoning
Tristen Epps, a winner of Top Chef, calls green seasoning the “lifeblood of marinating meat in the Caribbean.” This mix often includes cilantro, garlic, and vinegar, creating a vibrant flavor profile that elevates any dish.

5. No-Fail Ribs with Ina Garten
Garten’s method for tender ribs involves slow-roasting them before finishing on the grill. This ensures they’re juicy and flavorful, a technique worth trying whether you’re a novice or expert.

6. Martha Stewart’s Easy Granita
Martha Stewart turns a liter of Coca-Cola into a refreshing granita. Just freeze it and scrape it into fluffy ice crystals. Simple yet impressive for summer gatherings!

7. José Andrés’ Luxurious Appetizer
At his cocktail parties, chef José Andrés serves a show-stopping bite—crispy nori wrapped around jamón Ibérico, a fried quail egg, and caviar. While you can simplify it for home, it’s a way to impress your guests.

8. Storing Bread Right with Paul Hollywood
Baking expert Paul Hollywood warns against storing bread in the fridge, which can make it stale faster. Instead, keep it at room temperature in a paper bag or freeze slices to maintain freshness.

These insights from top chefs can easily elevate your cooking game. They remind us that great food doesn’t have to be complicated. By embracing simplicity and creativity, anyone can enhance their culinary skills. Want more cooking tips? Check out Food & Wine for a wealth of culinary knowledge.

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